Reader Question
I purchased a small Shihtzu at 9 weeks of age. When we got into our car we noticed dog was balding with few long hairs no undercoat,many scratches (breeder said they brushed the dog too hard), and blue eyes. This puppy is a blue and white color with blue nose and eye pads. We thought at first, since it was dark and shades were drawn with no lights, that dog actually had blue eyes. However, as we got the dog into the sunlight we realized dog was anemic, bald on back, with deep scratches from other puppies, and the blue eyes looked to be from a vaccination reaction. Upon researching this we saw that this is remote possibility. I took puppy to a vet but forgot to mention eyes since I had a crying 3 year old with me. This vet didn't even see anything wrong and marked dogs eyes as bright and shiny on report. Later we realized the mistake but had no money left to return for still another 100.00 exam. I had new tube of Terramycin so began this 1 week and 6 days ago. Right eye is nearly clear. Small minute portion still blue. Left eye colored part is still blue but appears clearer and only slightly smaller since beginning medication. Cant find anything online that helps us.
Answer from Our Team
A bluish haze in a puppy's eyes can be corneal swelling. One cause is canine adenovirus type 1, after infection or, rarely, after older types of vaccine; it usually clears on its own over time. Shih Tzus are also prone to corneal ulcers and dry eye, which can cloud the eye.
Improvement on the ointment is encouraging, but please have a vet look at the eyes, especially given the hair loss, scratches and possible anemia, which suggest the puppy needs a full check. If cost is a worry, ask your vet about a payment plan, or look for a low-cost clinic, humane society clinic or veterinary school near you.
See cloudy eyes in dogs for more.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
